PM says economy digitalization could raise unemployment

MOSCOW, Dec 6 (PRIME) -- Digitalization of the Russian economy could raise unemployment, and such a possibility should be restricted, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday in an interview to mass media.

УIn a number of cases, implementation of advanced digital technologies does mean a change in the number of jobsЕThe challenge tied to digitalization brings to life problems of this kind,Ф Medvedev said.

Digital technologies carry not only benefits, but also a colossal challenge that the world faces. УWe should make an effort so that digital technologies bring more positive than negative things,Ф the prime minister said.

According to official statistics, the countryТs unemployment rose 0.2 percentage points in October, for the first time since January, to 4.7% of the labor force, or 3.6 million people. The number of economically active people stood at 76.1 million.

Medvedev said that the current unemployment rate of 4.7% is the lowest. УItТs the achievement we should ultimately maintain. We know the level of unemployment in other countries, developed states,Ф he said.

УAt the same time, less qualified and unqualified jobs will become a thing of the past all the same because of salaries. This is why there should be retraining programs under the digital economy initiative.Ф